Sunday, November 25, 2012

Seattle Marathon

This year's edition of the Seattle Marathon was foggy and chilly. I was reminded of the phrase, "thick as pea soup," which is cliche for fog, but really makes no sense to me. My pea soup is almost always green and thick, but I don't reckon it to fog. There has to be a better way to describe fog.

I suppose it was pretty good racing weather, overall. 40 degrees or so, most of the time, a bit of a headwind coming back out of Seward Park, and I was cold. I dumped my top layer too soon. However, if I had been running, instead of mostly walking, as was the case, then it probably would've been fine.

My leg basically did a meltdown. This on top of being unprepared. Shade of blogposts past, I know, but this was really bad, and I attribute to more than fitness. Worst marathon ever--I pretty much had to walk the second half, and the first half wasn't winning any dating contests. Thought about dropping. I'll get the appointment already. The back of my left knee doesn't feel right, so I can't kick after a while. I'm reminded of that song, "Your Body Is A Wonderland." My body is a disaster site, or at least my leg is. I'm just not used to seeking medical care on this sort of thing, but need to.

It was great as always to see the familiar faces out there, and share a bit of road with some friends. Kurt and I knocked out the first mile, catching up. Great to see Ray G. at the 6.5 area or so, and then at the finish--haven't seen him in three or four years. Craig for a bit on the bridge. Many others--Terry, Kevin, Adam, Allen, Leslie, Van et al.--good running!

I felt like the race was better organized this year. Volunteers everywhere--seemed like more than usual. Police and medical aid all over too. The medal is a little different--it's curved, probably as a nod to the EMP starting line. I had bib number 2000. I didn't request it or anything, and didn't do it justice. Folks on the sidewalks often opted for "Good number" over "Doin' good!"

So, for better or for worse, that's ten years in a row. I am happy about that. So much to reflect back on. I'll probably stop the streak there, unless I'm running a whole lot better next year. Plenty of time to think about it. Not so much to think about Deception Pass, which I'm registered for in a couple weeks. I may have to opt for the 25k or nix it--I'll see how this week goes.